Travel Insurance Tips and Tales

Category Archives: Sports and Activities Abroad

If you want to work abroad for a bit helping the local wildlife, you need to be very careful about who you book with and what you’ll be doing, otherwise there is potential to cause more harm than good, or miss what you went to experience. Here are a few pointers to steer you in the right direction when researching your options.

Look for recognised affiliations and partnerships with reputable responsible travel companies. Companies such as Long Run and Responsible Travel really put operators through their paces to showcase honest, supportive behaviours. Booking with affiliated companies means your volunteer experience should be a help to the wildlife not a hindrance.

Pick your time of travel carefully. For example, if you want to get up close with African wildlife, you don’t want to book a volunteer trip in the green season – not only will your job be harder because of the thick turf, but you’ll have less chance of seeing the wildlife. Migration patterns should also be considered before booking!

Go for the right reasons. No-one knows what mother nature has in store, or what wild animals might do next, so don’t sign up for a wildlife or conservation programme just to see wild animals. Make sure you are going because of the good you will be doing. Any close encounters you experience are a bonus!

Get Vaccinated. It is absolutely vital to get the correct vaccinations for your location. Whether you need the likes of rabies shots or malaria pills depends very much on where you are going – so get the advice of your GP or tour operator.

Get Insured. Animals can be very dangerous and unpredictable, and you are immediately putting yourself in a high-risk environment when signing up to volunteering with wildlife – that is why adequate travel insurance is essential!

Beware of close encounter opportunities. Volunteering in a contained environment with wild animals, or volunteering with companies offering physical human contact should raise alarm bells. As an untrained volunteer you only pose a risk in such a situation.

Ask about safety. At the very least find out what safety procedures are in place, and what the emergency evacuation procedures are. You should also be able to find out what to do in the event of a wide range of risk situations. If the information isn’t available, doubt the integrity of the operator.

Finally – Be sure to ask your operator the following questions:

How much is the total cost of the volunteer programme?

What does this cost include?

What costs must I cover myself?

Where do the profits go?

How involved will I be able to get?

What will my daily role be?

How is my presence there actually helping?

How many other volunteers are on the same project?

Who is the project managed by and what is their past experience and qualifications?

Calling all thrill-seekers! If you are looking for high octane adventures on your next holiday, you’d do well to take a look at what Turkey has to offer. Here is our pick of the best adrenaline-fuelled touristy things to do at this amazing destination!

Paragliding– The place of choice is Babadag Mountain, one of the highest take-off sites in the world! On your flight you’ll get beautiful views across Fethiye, and come to land on the gorgeous Oludeniz beach.

Skydiving– Take to the skies over the ancient city of Ephesus, and you are guaranteed a VIP view not many other tourists dare attempt! The local tour operator also offers solo dives, and microlight experiences which give extra awesome views of Virgin Mary House, Pamucak Beach, and Kusadasi Yacht Marina.

Scuba Diving At Night– Bodrum is known for having a stunning coastline, but it’s what’s in the water that attracts the adventurous. Book yourself on a scuba dive to the Graveyard of Ships, at night-time, to really get your pulse racing!

Hot Air Ballooning– Cappadocia is the place to go, with its ethereal lunar-like landscape and super-surreal light. Flights depart at dawn, and you’ll be guaranteed a rush of silent wonder as you float over arguably the most “other worldly” landscape on the planet.

White Water Rafting– Köprülü Kanyon is the place to be, even if you are a beginner. Starting at nearby Antalya, you’ll paddle your way with comparative ease through the Taurus Mountains to where the rapids begin in the heart of the national park. Here you’ll suit up ready for white water action, and enjoy every inch of the eight and a half mile rapids!

Rock Climbing– The place to be is Geyikbayiri! There are over 850 routes across all grades with both north and south facing crags, but what really draws climbers from abroad are the routes through the cave systems, impressive routes that offer something different to other destinations.

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

We offer bespoke travel insurance to suit your level of adventure. So whether you plan to jump out of a plane, off a mountain, or into the sea, we’ve got you covered. Check out the list of activities we cover here or call us on 01982 833338.

February – Holistic Weight Loss in Sri Lanka

Average February Temperature: 20C

Set amongst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka you can work up a sweat with energetic group fitness classes and outdoor activities, and decrease your stress-levels with daily meditation and yoga sessions. The programme includes a personalised diet plan and lifestyle classes to encourage you to make long-term changes that will benefit you beyond your holiday.

March – Digital Detox in Portugal

Average March Temperature: 21C

Set in the sunny Algarve you can learn to switch off more than your phone. Expect to enjoy meditative breathing classes, relaxation massages, and ‘energy breaks’ under the retreat’s signature pine trees. Ditching the digital stuff will leave you plenty of time to indulge in personal training on the beach and paddle board sessions in the sea – leaving your mind cleared and body re-energised.

April – Spring Surf & Yoga in Morocco

Average April Temperature: 25C

Enjoy an early Summer in Morocco with the perfect balance of surfing and yoga. This healthy holiday also promises active adventures such as mountain hikes and cultural excursions to leave you rejuvenated, not wiped out from your adventures!

Image courtesy of healthandfitnesstravel

May – Mindfulness in Marbella

Average May Temperature: 23C

Enjoy a complete mind and body makeover in the Med combining favourite fitness activities with mindful and balancing practices. Expect beach circuits and personal training, yoga, guided meditations and Tibetan bowl vibrational massages on a holiday with an emphasis on learning how to live a mindful life.

June – Summer Shape Up in Ibiza

Average June Temperature: 26C

On this luxury boot camp style fitness holiday you can enjoy a daily fitness schedule of circuits, aerobics, Swiss ball, boxing, running, swimming, deep stretching, body sculpting and rebounding. There are also mindfulness sessions to soothe the mind, cookery workshops to feed it, and creative workshops to let it loose. To top it off, you’ll get a full body massage and manicure to ensure you leave feeling great inside and out.

July – Fusion Fitness in Sardinia

Average July Temperature: 29C

Get fit by the beach while you enjoy magnificent sea views and the excellent wellness facilities at Forte Village. On this holiday you can expect a bespoke Fusion Fitness programme offering a personalised workout plan, and a range of energising activities and treatments with a series of six thalassic pools.

August – Soothing Summer Spa in Italy

Average August Temperature: 28C

Nestled in the alpine mountains surrounding Lake Garda, you can indulge in Lefay’s signature spa, which features a private saline pool with a suspended moon above it to create a truly calming atmosphere to relax and unwind. The resort is also known for offering a wide range of holistic spa treatments from around the world.

Image courtesy of healthandfitnesstravel

September – Mental Makeover in Portugal

Average Temperature September: 29C

Set in the picturesque Algarve, The Mind Coaching Retreat at Macdonald Monchiquewill take you through a psychological programme using state-of-the-art techniques to build mental strength. Expect lifestyle tips and group sessions that promise to leave you rejuvenated, more in touch with your inner-self, and focussed on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

October – Autumn Ayurveda in India

Average Temperature October: 33C

A holistic break in North India that boasts ultimate relaxation and self-discovery. Nestled between the Sahyadri mountains and Mulshi Lake, this spiritual hideaway provides a platform for total rejuvenation in soothing tranquillity. Expect Ayurvedic spa treatments, reflexology, and a variety of yoga practices that will purify and heal your body so you return home feeling rebalanced and cleansed.

November – Farm to Spa Wellness in Costa Rica

Average Temperature November: 31C

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, the perfect location for a retreat that provides a luxurious yet secluded wellness experience, with unparalleled ocean views. Expect organic spa treatments such as a mint-chocolate treatment for glowing skin, plus activities like cooking and gardening on a back-to-nature wellness holiday that will give you a renewed sense of well-being.

December – Pre-Christmas Restorative Break in St. Lucia

Average December temperature: 30C

Break the mould and have a healthy start to the holiday season. On this break you can prepare your body and mind with a special pre-Christmas wellness programme, designed by leading health and well-being experts. Hosted by Olympic legends, Colin Jackson and Leon Taylor, this wellness experience isn’t just for Christmas, it will benefit you for the rest of your life!

To find out more about these breaks visit healthandfitnesstravel – and don’t forget your travel insurance! Wellbeing holidays and detox breaks are a lot less enjoyable if you lose your passport or your luggage goes missing – travel insurance can help recover the costs and restore balance so you can carry on enjoying your getaway!

Pack light, move fast, see more than most would on a hiking holiday. Fastpacking is fast becoming the way to enjoy an outdoor adventure – even for those who don’t have trail running experience. The principles are simple, and there are even holiday companies headed by experienced runners just waiting to take you on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. Intrigued? Read on to find out what it’s all about…

What is fastpacking?

Think fast backpacking, think endurance trail running, think about covering a day-long hike before it’s even brunchtime. Fastpacking is all about covering ground quickly, which means you get to see more over the course of your holiday. To do this, you have to pack light – you need to be able to run with everything you need to survive.

How fit do you need to be to fastpack?

It depends on what adventure you are hoping to go on! Run the Wild say they have a running adventure for everyone – for those who are starting out, right through to pro packages. Their bespoke guiding service means that all abilities can be catered for, from those who have never run before to runners just looking to elevate their technique. While you don’t have to have done much running before, they advise that to take part in their scheduled adventures, it does help if you can run at least 10km, and for more challenging adventures they like to have a chat about your experience and ability to ensure that you get the best out of your trail running adventure. They also host “technical series” events, which are aimed at improving understanding on all aspects of trail running through demonstration and instruction.

Fastpacking packing tips

The key to having an enjoyable journey is keep your kit lightweight, simple, but sufficient for survival – including in the event of an emergency! Pack weight is vital – you need to be able to run!

• Lightweight waterproof day sack – 10 to 30 litres depending on the length of your adventure. Get one with a breathable mesh back, side pockets for storing energy-boosting snacks to eat on the go, and with an integrated hydration system. Sternum and waist straps are essential to keep your pack secure while you run!

• Layered clothing – The number of layers will depend on your destination, but do invest in quick-drying base layers, a warm but light longsleeve top, and a breathable jacket. Spare socks and a woolly hat might seem like an extravagance when packing light, but you’ll be glad of them when you relax at the end of the day.

• Food – What you pack depends on whether you’ll be cooking. Lightweight foods such as pasta and cous cous coupled with compact proteins such as tuna and nuts are a good option. Always pack some herbs as they can transform the taste of a dish and will add nothing in terms of weight to your pack. Pack some high-energy snacks to eat as you run too. P.S. Don’t forget your water!

• Shelter – Pack an ultra-light tarp shelter and a sleeping bag. Make sure you go for lightweight products, but ones that that will stand up to the elements you’ll be facing.

• Essential Accessories – First aid kit, pocket knife, head torch, whistle and mirror (for SOS situations), compass, lighter, ziplock bags (for carrying any waste away with you), repair tools such as duct tape or rope. Pack a water purifying system such as a Lifestraw, Lifesaver, or Aquimira so that you can hydrate healthily should your own supply run out.

• Travel Insurance – Any adventure that takes you off the beaten track (even if it is a well-worn path) requires adequate travel insurance. Trail running carries more risks than a casual hiking holiday, and your policy is the thing that will get you the urgent medical care you need, and back home safely without breaking the bank.

Fastpacking Etiquette

Before your journey make yourself familiar with the 7 principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). It provides information on how to be a responsible wild camper, from how and where to light a fire, wash yourself, and go to the toilet through to how to cover ground in pristine areas to minimise your impact on the local environment. It is worth noting that non-runners also use these trails, and will appreciate a little courtesy when it comes to passing on a path.

Best Places for A Fastpacking Holiday

Easy – the wilderness, and places with well-maintained long-distance footpaths – New Zealand is an excellent example. Countries that support a good network of paths with rest huts and campsites are great for fastpacking too – these can be found in just about any climate that you want to explore from Canada to Columbia, Japan to Germany, and everywhere in between!

Like the idea of a trail running holiday but want to hone your skills first?

Simon James, at Run the Wild says “Just try it! Trail running is such a great way to explore the wilder parts of the areas we live. Even living in an urban environment, parks offer a great place to get to experience the freedom that trail running involves.” They are also on hand to guide you on your fastpacking journey as they arrange trail running holidays in both the UK – Chiltern Hills – and France – near Chamonix in the French Alps.

“The Chilterns are just 30 minutes north of London and so very easy to access for most people who want to get into an accessible wild place, as an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) which is really hilly, it has a lot to offer! The Alps are on a whole other level, with glaciers pouring down towards the valley floors, and summits pushing up into the clouds, it really can take your breath away. Trail running here is addictive and once you have tasted it you will want to come back for more! The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of our more popular longer distance trails, circumnavigating Mont Blanc in around 6 days.”

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

A novel way to see the wildlife, and from a POV most only could dream of! Tours to see the bigger picture of the park can be arranged to spot hippos, wildebeest, zebra, lions and giraffe all from the relative silence of your hot air balloon.

Image by vasukibelavadi CC0

Cappadocia, Turkey

The natural splendour of the volcanic spires and pillars found in central Turkey’s Cappadocia region are best appreciated from the sky. Dubbed “fairy chimneys” these ethereal formations are now home to hipster cave-dwellers and have spawned a host of fairy-chimney hotels.

Image by SashSegal CC0

Château-d’Oex, Switzerland

Seeing snowscapes from the silence of a hot air balloon is undeniably spectacular, but witnessing hundreds of other balloons passing over the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss alps is a sight not to be missed. Book your tour in late January during International Hot Air Balloon Week if this is on your bucket list!

Napa Valley, California

Panoramic views of rolling hills, vineyeards, Mt St Helena, the Mayacamas Mountains, and even hipster haven San Francisco make Napa Valley the place to go for a hot air balloon ride.

Image by derwiki CC0

Atacama Desert, Chile

Viewing the driest place on the planet at sunrise is probably one of the most magical experiences you could have in a hot air balloon. As the sun rises over Valle de la Luna, known for its moonlike landscape of dunes, mountains and rock formations you’ll witness a spectacular array of colours.

Image by poLiMetralleta CC0

Did you know? Recreational ballooning is automatically included on our travel insurance policies! For a full list of sports and activities we can cover visit our sports and activities travel insurance page!

Whether you are yearning to lie in Savasana in tropical surroundings, or sit in Sukhasana on a faraway sandy beach, you probably have one question that is stopping you from investing in that (probably pricy) yoga retreat… “How do I know it is a decent one?” We share some top tips and questions you should ask to put your mind at ease before laying down your deposit…

The only way you’ll know if it’s a decent retreat is to do some investigating.

Have they ever run a retreat before?

Are they organising it all themselves or do they have a host?

How long have the people running it been running retreats?

How long has the teacher been teaching?

There should be reviews for you to read from previous retreats run by the host and teacher. Although there has to be a first time for every yoga teacher or retreat organiser, it is unlikely you’ll find that dream retreat if both yoga teacher and retreat host are new to the scene.

You should always find out a thing or two about the yoga teacher – unfortunately the rise in yoga’s popularity has not been governed very well, and it’s not unusual to hear of people starting their yoga teacher training with less than 6 months yoga experience themselves, and once qualified taking themselves and students off on a cheap yoga holiday.

So, how do you know if the teachers are properly qualified?

The teacher should have at least 2 years self practice before going onto a yoga teacher training, checking out their Facebook and Instagram history is one way to see if they have been following the yoga path for a while.

Find out who they studied with, and whether it was a properly recognised 200 hour Teacher Training course, governed by The British Wheel of Yoga, Yoga Alliance, or equivalent.

Yoga Teacher Faye Riches says “Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience – you are about to part with a lot of money hoping for a trip of a lifetime, not one that is a disappointment! You may want to know whether their Teacher Training was contact hours with a teacher, or a course online, and whether they are continuing their education.A teacher who has all the relevant experience and qualifications needed to be able to take a group of students away will not mind sharing their history, and who they have done training with.” Faye has over 10 years experience as a teacher and pairs up with retreat specialist Reclaim Your Self who has over 12 years experience, a combination that has kudos – this year they have been listed in The Times top 20, and Guardian top 25 retreats in the world.

Make your first retreat a local one with your current teacher

To get a better idea of what to expect from a retreat, and therefore what to ask about someone advertising an overseas yoga retreat, go on a local one run by, or at the very least recommended by your current yoga teacher. If you already know the teacher, you already know that you enjoy their style of teaching, the price is a lot more palatable, and the duration is generally shorter – removing any anxiety you may be holding about whether a week-long yoga holiday is the right option for you.

Worried that the grey British weather will leave you feeling as mad as a March hare by the end of the month? Fear not – you still have four weeks to get yourself to the England v West Indies Tour where the sound of wood on willow is extra relaxing thanks to sea, sand and sun!

There are also lots of gorgeous beaches to explore, natural sights to see, and plenty of rum to be drunk too. Here’s our guide to the most relaxing break in the world this spring!

Where and When

The England v West Indies tour 2017 takes place in Antigua on the 3rd and 5th of March at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on the 9th March.

What to do (other than watch cricket)

Whether you travel independently or plump for a package, you’ll have a few days between matches to explore everything the Caribbean has to offer. Here are some of our favourites…

Swim with turtles – You can book a private trip or go on a group feed and swim excursion to the nearby turtle sanctuary. The 2 hour eco-adventure starts in Bridgetown, Barbados where you’ll be whisked away in a boat, giving you beautiful views of the south coast on the way to Carlisle Bay. Guests get to feed these magnificent beasts, and brush up on their underwater photography. All snorkelling equipment is provided, and you’ll be given some light refreshments on your return journey. Prices start at about £45.

Explore Harrisons Cave – It might seem a shame to head underground when you have sunny skies above, but Harrisons Cave is a treat not to be missed! A glass lift and tram ride ensure it won’t sap too much energy, and you will get to learn a lot about the local history as well as the geology on the journey. You can book a tour for about £100 that includes visits to the other natural wonders in Barbados such as Hunte’s Gardens, The Flower Forest, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, and Bathsheba.

Drink Rum at St Nicholas Abbey – No trip to the Caribbean is complete without a drop of Rum, and St Nicholas Abbey is just the place to go to sample some. The working distillery dates back to the mid 1600s and is a working example of a 19th century sugar plantation, with the original mills crushing the sugar cane. You can join a historical tour around the house and museum then spend your own time exploring the grounds. Various packages are available starting at about £65.

How to get there – Independent Travel vs Tour Packages

Flights to just Barbados with Virgin are in the region of £700 per person return. The flights between Antigua and Barbados are around £400 with Caribbean Airlines.

To enjoy a week in a luxury beachside hotel you can expect to pay £3,000.

English Cricket Tours have a two-centre package with 6 nights in Antigua, all-inclusive at the beachfront Halcyon Cove followed by 6 nights in Barbados from £2700 per person. This includes flights, accommodation, transfers from the airport to the hotels, and inter island flight. Even though tickets to watch the cricket are extra, this seems like quite a bargain! For more information visit englishcrickettours.co.uk or call 0208 932 4565/0203 667 1613.

Travel Insurance!

Don’t forget your travel insurance – if it is your only trip of the year, we can offer excellent deals on our single trip insurance, or if this is part of your annual globetrotting adventures you’ll need our annual multi trip insurance. We also have family policies where kids go free. Call 01892 833338 for more info, free quotes or to arrange last minute cover.

Snowboarding is often seen as skiing’s younger, cooler and more daring counterpart. It began in the 1960s, when engineer Sherman Poppen fastened two skis together to help his daughter learn to ski, and was soon taken up and developed by skateboarding enthusiasts and winter sport fanatics alike.

Today, snowboarding is hugely popular around the world and is a recognised Olympic sport. It is also a high-risk sport – you are after all hurtling down snowy slopes. Safety gear and common sense can go a long way to preventing or minimising injury, but accidents are always going to happen at some stage.

The kind of injuries common in snowboarding are different to the injuries you’d expect when skiing – this is largely due to the differences in equipment. Skiing is notorious for leg injuries, whereas with snowboarding, you are more likely to incur an upper body injury. In fact…

The most frequent snowboarding injuries are to the wrist

Beginner snowboarders fall a lot, and they need to learn not to try and break the fall with their wrist (which is a natural thing to do). Also, beginners often don’t bother with professional instruction and this can mean learning to fall the hard way. Experienced snowboarders know that!

In addition to wrist injuries, falling onto an outstretched hand can transmit the force along the arm and cause a shoulder or elbow injury. Around 60% of snowboarding injuries are to the arm, wrist, hand or thumb.

Wrist injuries can be serious

A complicated wrist fracture can increase the chances of osteoarthritis and long-term disability. It generally takes up to eight weeks for a broken wrist to heal, but it can take much longer. This can be really frustrating, as being unable to fully use your arm and hand while you wait to heal can really curtail your everyday activities. If you don’t allow your injury time to heal, however, you can cause permanent damage.

How To Avoid A Wrist Injury

Wrist injuries can be avoided by proper safety gear. Wrist guards for snowboarders are widely available and also affordable.

Head injuries are common too

Injuries to the head and face are also more common among snowboarders than among skiers. In fact, the risk for head injury among snowboarders is nearly twice that for skiers. Head injuries can be caused by a fall or by a collision. Beginners especially can fall backwards and hit the back of their head, or occiput. Snowboarders can fall forwards or backwards more easily than skiers in their fixed bindings.

Head injuries are thankfully rarely serious

But when they are serious, they can be tragic. Death or permanent brain injury can result from a fall or a collision, and that is why helmets cannot be recommended highly enough. It’s difficult to estimate the recovery time for a head injury. Cuts, bruises and broken noses will usually heal quite quickly, but concussion can have lasting consequences, and other serious head injuries even more so.

HowTo Avoid A Head Injury

Wear a helmet. While they won’t make you invincible, they can protect against a more serious injury.

Spinal Injuries

Like head injuries, spinal injuries are more common among snowboarders than among skiers, but still thankfully very rare. The two most common causes are a jump that goes disastrously wrong, with the jumper landing in an awkward position, or a really violent backward fall where the force of the fall is transmitted to the spine. It’s hard to estimate the recovery time from a spinal injury, as they vary in severity so wildly, but the damage can be permanent and disabling

How To Avoid a Spinal Injury

Jumps are the second most common cause of snowboarding injuries, after falls. The best way to avoid a spinal injury is not to attempt a jump or trick that is way beyond your skill level.

Knee Injuries Account For 16% of Snowboarding Injuries

Knee injuries are much less common among snowboarders than among skiers. Harder boots give a higher chance of knee injury, although they offer more protection to the ankles. Surprisingly, nasty knee injuries to snowboarders take place on ski lifts as well as on ski slopes. Getting onto a lift involves having one foot fastened into the board and pushing with the other, so the possibility of a sprain is quite high. Twisting causes a big number of knee injuries among boarders.

Collisions are more likely to cause knee fractures, and twisting injuries to cause ligament damage or strainsto the knee

Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common form of ligament injury, with 40% of all ACL injuries attributed to extreme sports. This is the same ligament which many professional footballers injure and depending on the severity can involve surgery and around nine months on the side-lines, not to mention a weaker knee and an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the future (not good).

Both ligament injuries and fractures are serious and have a long recovery time involving physical therapy and medication. Sometimes even an operation is needed, depending on the severity of the damage.

How To Avoid A Knee Injury

A well-designed knee brace is designed to offer protection, typically manufactured from materials such as carbon fibre (strong and lightweight), as well as offering stability so that you can handle the twists, turns and jumps on the slopes. Modern knee braces for extreme sports are lightweight and non-corrosive. If you can water ski wearing one, you can certainly snowboard! Protection is always better than cure and this is why many of the professionals can now be seen sporting them.

Common Ankle Injuries

Ankles are also an area to watch out for. Snowboarders are quite vulnerable to ankle sprains and fractures. In fact, a lateral fracture of the talus is referred to as “snowboarder’s ankle”, as it is rarely sustained in any other way. Soft boots are easier to walk in and make you feel more flexible, but they do leave you more open to this kind of injury.

Sprains are more common, than fractures, but it’s important to get even minor sprains treated

Sometimes a fracture can be misdiagnosed as a sprain, leading to unpleasant consequences down the line. Snowboarder’s ankle doesn’t always show up on an X-ray, so if the pain from a sprain lasts longer than six or seven days, you need to visit your doctor again and get it checked over. A simple sprain should be almost healed after about a week and should certainly be able to bear weight, even if it’s still sore or tender.

How To Avoid Ankle Injuries

Opt for harder boots, but be aware that it might make an injury to the knee more likely, and restricts your flexibility for tricks.

Bumps and Bruises

Common places for bruises caused by snowboarding are abdominal bruising, facial bruising and, sad to say, bruised buttocks are also painfully common. Your buttocks are your body’s shock absorbers, especially when falling over backward on a snowboard, but they will bruise and those bruises can be painful. Fortunately, the pain should only last a few days and the colour will fade as well.

The only way to avoid bumps and bruises from snowboarding is not to go snowboarding

There are few rules and regulations regarding what you can wear on the slopes (helmets are only compulsory in a few countries) increasingly, however, people are realising that safety gear is an important part of any winter sport, and snowboarding is no different. Hopefully, a raised awareness of the consequences of injuries will lead to more safety gear being worn, and fewer snowboarders being injured.

Wintersports Travel Insurance Offers Extra Protection On The Slopes

If you are badly injured while snowboarding, you may need helicopter assistance with getting off the mountainside, and may even need to get back to your home country for treatment which is why you should make sure that your travel insurance covers you for the activities you plan to do – even if you are holidaying in the EU. Wintersports insurance from worldwideinsure.com provides cover for equipment, cancelled flights, medical assistance and repatriation for all destinations including even if you want to go off-piste.

Not sure where to head this summer to catch some decent surf? Fear not! British Surfing Champion Jonny Wallbridge has a massive wealth of knowledge when it comes to enjoying the waves of the world.

Born on the island of Guernsey, which measures a mere 30 square miles, Johnny Wallbridge has always been surrounded by water. It’s, therefore, perhaps unsurprising that he took up surfing at the age of 14 and didn’t look back. Since then he’s become a British Surfing Champion, has travelled the world in search of bigger, better waves, and has even opened his own surf clothing and accessories shop, Yakwax.

Here are his top five places to go…

Image courtesy of Jonny Wallbridge

1. Indonesia

July and August are prime months to chase waves off the coast of Indonesia. From Bali to the Mentawaii Islands, the conditions are perfect almost every day. Indonesia — or “Indo”, as it’s commonly known within the surf community — is well-regarded for having some of the best waves on the planet thanks to the consistent swells, light winds, hot air, and fantastic water temperatures.

Some of the most popular surf spots in Bali can be found on the Bukit Peninsula and include the likes of Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Impossibles, and Balangan. Alternatively, if you have some money to spare, charter a private yacht from a reliable company like Pulau Luxury Charter and sail through the Mentawaii Island chain in search of perfect, uncrowded waves that you spend dark winters dreaming about.

2. Mexico

During the summer months, Mexico gets pummelled by consistent southwest swells that march across the Pacific. Thanks to the steep continental shelf that sits off Mexico, the power of the waves is magnified, making the country home to some of the most intense beach breaks in the world. If you’re willing to take some risks to catch the best barrel of your life, spots like Puerto Escondido and Pascuales should definitely be on your list.

If you don’t have much experience of surfing abroad, an organised camp or tour might be for you. Surf Las Palmeras is a camp in Salina Cruz, southern Mexico, and offers packages that include everything you could possibly need. It’s a brilliant option if you’ve never been to Mexico, as you’ll be guided towards all the best spots.

3. South Africa

Back in 2015, three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning made headlines after being attacked by a great white shark while surfing in South Africa. These waters aren’t for the faint-hearted, but that just adds to the rush of surfing in them.

Seasoned surfers put the dangers to the back of their mind to take advantage of the world class waves that J-Bay, which is considered to be the best right hand point break on the planet, provides. Although, according to National Geographic’s list of the World’s Best 20 Surf Towns, Muizenberg, South Africa, is an ideal place for beginners to start out, so the area can truly suit anyone.

4. Guernsey

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the place where it all began: Guernsey. While the island itself is relatively small, it boasts some stunning coastal scenery and a very tight-knit surfing community. It might not attract the crowds that more exotic locations do, but it has a lot of heart and, no matter where in Guernsey you go, you’re never too far away from a fun surfing spot.

If you’re unfamiliar to the area, Vazon Bay is the best place to start. It’s the most popular surfing spot and is also home to Guernsey Surf School, the only of its kind on the island. There’s even a handy beach café nearby where you can refuel after a session.

5. Oahu, Hawaii

North Shore, Oahu in Hawaii is one of the most celebrated surfing locations on the planet. In the winter months its world-class waves play host to a range of professional competitions and attract serious, international surfers who fancy a challenge.

During the summer the water becomes a lot calmer, making this the ideal time for more casual surfers, beginners, or those who are just looking for a relaxing holiday, to descend upon the coast. Oahu’s official travel website is a great place to learn about what happens on the island throughout the year if you’re considering a visit.

Surfing in itself is an exhilarating sport, but your overall experience depends on choosing the perfect location. From someone who’s travelled the world with his surfboard in tow, these five are fantastic places to start.

WorldwideInsure.com automatically cover loads of sports and activities on their travel insurance policies, including surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing, canoeing and water skiing. For more info, get in touch on 01892 833338 or visit WorldwideInsure.com for a fast online quote.

If you usually seek sensational scenic views on a mountain hike while on holiday you should try taking the Iron Road instead. Via ferratas are climbing routes that can require relatively little experience, and use the most basic equipment, yet offer views usually reserved for only the most experienced of mountain climbers.

Via Ferrata Explained

The Italian term translates literally as Iron Road, with routes that have iron rungs, ladders, pegs and cables as climbing aids to help climbers traverse steep and rocky terrain. Some routes are “Easy” consisting of a reasonably straightforward path offering a challenging walk rather than a climbing experience, whereas others are “Extremely Difficult” where overhangs and high exposed routes are the norm. This makes via ferrata suitable for all ages (including children) and abilities.

Image courtesy of honister.com

Equipment

You’ll need a helmet to protect your head from any falling rocks as well as in the unlikely event of a fall, and a via ferrata set. This is quite simply an energy absorber with a special double carabiner, and in some cases a harness.

Image courtesy of honister.com

Why do these “Iron Roads” exist?

Via ferrata in some locations is linked to WW1 activity, as a route to help soldiers pass through otherwise inaccessible terrain simply and in relative safety. They do however exist all over the world, acting as a safe passage for locals, and attractions for tourists!